sunburn

1 of 2

verb

sun·​burn ˈsən-ˌbərn 

sunburned ˈsən-ˌbərnd  or sunburnt ˈsən-ˌbərnt  ; sunburning

transitive verb

: to burn or discolor by the sun

intransitive verb

: to become sunburned

sunburn

2 of 2

noun

: inflammation of the skin caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation especially from sunlight

Examples of sunburn in a Sentence

Noun

He has a bad sunburn.

Use sunscreen to prevent sunburn.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

As someone who sunburns at the drop of a hat (pun intended), I’m especially inspired by Lopez’s impressively oversized version, which managed to shade even her shoulders. — Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026

Got sunburned during a game (or while spending time at the beach)? — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 10 July 2026

Noun

Wearing sunglasses without the proper UV protection can lead to corneal sunburn, which increases the risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 22 July 2026

Veterinarians explain how to protect pets from hot pavement, sunburn, water hazards and more. — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 21 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

back-formation from sunburned, from sun + burned

First Known Use

Verb

1530, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

1584, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sunburn

• adjourn
• concern
• decern
• discern
• downturn
• extern
• heartburn
• interne
• nocturne
• return
• unworn
• upturn

Kids Definition

sunburn

1 of 2 verb

sun·​burn -ˌbərn 

sunburned -ˌbərnd  or sunburnt -ˌbərnt  ; sunburning

1

: to burn or discolor by the sun

2

: to become sunburned

sunburn

2 of 2 noun

: a sore red state of the skin caused by too much sunlight

Medical Definition

sunburn

1 of 2 transitive verb

sun·​burn -ˌbərn 

sunburned -ˌbərnd  or sunburnt -ˌbərnt  ; sunburning

: to affect with sunburn

sunburned skin

sunburn

2 of 2 noun

: inflammation of the skin caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation especially from sunlight

called also erythema solare